1. 1920s
Gilded Age/WWI ’s

2. How did politics in the 1920’s reflect a “return to normalcy?”
Was the return to normalcy successful?
Harding
coolidge

3. President Warren Harding 1921-1923
The American people were craving normalcy
After chaos of Progressive Era and WWI
Harding made campaign promises
Good-natured, “looked like a president ought to look”
But poor judgement

4. Harding Presidency A goal- Ensuring peace after WWI
1921- Harding invited world leaders to DC
Russia not invited – why?
Agreement- 5 major countries would not build new warships and destroy many that exist
US, Britain, Japan, France, Italy
Disarm agreement

5. Harding Presidency Britain and France owed US $10 billion
1922- Fordney-McCumber Tariff
Raised taxes on imports by 60%
Protected US business
Made it impossible for Britain and France to sell enough to pay debts

6. Harding Presidency Scandal
Harding’s cabinet- included qualified and unqualified men
Ohio gang- Harding’s friends (would cause embarrassment)
Corruption examples:
Head of Veterans sold supplies to private companies
Taking bribes

7. Harding Presidency Teapot Dome Scandal
Government set oil-rich land aside for Navy
Secretary of Interior got land switched from Navy to Dept of Interior
Leased land to private oil companies

8. Teapot Dome Secretary said deal was in government’s interest
But suddenly received $400,000
What does this look like?
Later found guilty of bribery
First person convicted of felony while holding cabinet post

9. Harding’s Presidency August 1923- Harding died suddenly
Crimes just coming to light
Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed presidency
Helped restore faith in government and Republican party

10. Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929 1923- took over after Harding’s death
Restrained, pro-business, anti-government influence
Businesses- Low taxes, give credit, let them flourish

11. Coolidge’s Presidency
Continued high import tariffs
Help American manufacturers through 20’s
New technology- wages, productivity rose

12. 1920s Politics Worksheet
Answer questions in full sentences

13. Cartoon Score
“The Teapot Dome Scandal affected Harding’s presidency. His friend sold land to a company and took a bribe for it. He was found guilty.”
“The roller is running over people. It is in the shape of a teapot. Men are running from it. It is passing a sign for the White House.”

14. Cartoon Score
“This cartoon is referencing the Teapot Dome Scandal of Warren Harding’s administration. The roller is labeled “oil scandal,” is shaped like a teapot and is running over people. This shows how the scandal destroyed the careers or lives of those involved. The Secretary of Interior was found guilty of leasing government land to private companies. Harding was also incriminated, and the cartoon shows this as the roller is heading toward the White House, according to the sign. Men are running from the roller, as people in government tried to avoid being part of the scandal….”